Hello!

Just curious to find out how much interest is out there for beginner trips for this year and what y'all as beginners had in mind. As far as trips planning goes, what sort of limitations do we as leaders have to keep in mind for y'all....such as dates, distance, etc? And what level of commitment are you willing to place into the hobby/sport?

Thanks for any thoughts!

Suzi

Suzi -- I'll lead a trip down the Elkhorn either April 17 or 24 -- I'll nail it down soon. Love to have some support. There was some discussion last time about what constitutes a "beginner." I recommend that people who try the Elkhorn have some experience on moving water and can control a boat -- as well as have the proper gear. I'll challenge someone who is hitting moving water or a kayak for the first time -- puts pressure on them and on the group.

I'll provide full details later, if that's ok. Hope you're well and that all HCCers are surviving the winter. Global warming can't come fast enough to Indiana.

I'm praying for a downpour over the Pine for when it hits the high-40s this weekend -- and that's to multiple Gods!

I think I may be the longest running Begainer in club history! Rob thanks for volunteering for the Elkhorn trip hope we have weather like last year. I'll definately do whatever I can to make that trip.
Discovered I have some disc problems in my lower back last year after the Wisconsin trip. Its much better now but still have some issues sitting for long periods of time. However am intrested in as many class 2/3 trips as can fit in my schd. willing to travel up to 8hrs.,would like to do a Natahalah(spelling not my strong suit) trip again this summer. Anything local especialy in spring, my slow season.

Kim and I would be up for a Nantahala, St Francis or similar trip in July (exact date to be determined). Other than that, we have three weddings this year (ours and two others that we are in) and can not be marked up or have poison ivy for them.

We could probably also do an October trip to Tennessee, NC, or similar distance.

Also, I will be making trips to East Race.

FYI Rob Stoneycreek Roundevous is the 24th of April... so if it's the 17th I can offer some help with the elkhorn.

I'd love to do some Nantahala trips even at least one to the Tuckaseegee (since it looks like the last legal obstacle to removing the dillsboro dam was knocked down)

I'm hoping to do a moving water intro weekend in the summer. Whitewater, and Great miami to follow up for those who show the skills. Date is uncertain yet, sometime in june / july though.

disregard that part about stoneycreek.. it's been moved to May 14 accoring to Sweet Thang (jen)

Thanks Rob F! If my calendar is free, I'll be happy to support boat or co-lead with you. Ted and Rob Henry, thanks for the input. I know what you mean about having to remain 'bruise free' or remaining 'unmarked' for weddings. It definitely can put a damper on paddling plans! Lol

I'll look forward to as many as I can in the 2-3 level and help out , plus will do what I can with helping others on the Flat Rock and Great Miami as the weather provides for approaite levels ;-)

Hi Suzi -

I'm definitely interested in beginner trips this year - Elkhorn, Nantahala, Hiwassee, St. Francis, or any other Class II(III) rivers. I have a pretty busy summer coming up, but I want to paddle as much as I can as long as my schedule allows. I am willing to travel just about anywhere.

I would also like to take a course through Bear Paw or the Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association (TSRA), and I was wondering if there are any other beginners out there who would be interested in joining me. I have not decided on specific courses or dates yet.
www.bearpawoutdoors.com/
www.paddletsra.org/

I know that in the past, there has been an issue with very few experienced paddlers signing up to lead beginner trips, and then the ratio between the few experienced paddlers and the many beginners often makes a trip difficult. Once a certain number of experienced paddlers sign up for a trip, why not limit the number of beginners? Then maybe more experienced paddlers would be willing to join. Just a thought for the trip planning meeting this weekend. I won't be able to attend, but I just wanted to throw this idea out there.

I'll come along on most of these. I haven't set any firm plans yet.

I'm interested in the KY/TN trip the end of Feb, but not sure which rivers……..and possibly other shorter trips depending on my schedule…..